Maezono Masakiyo

Date of Birth

29 October 1973

Place of Birth

Kagoshima

Masakiyo Maezono is a soccer player. I think he is one of the most fantastic players like Nakata Hidetoshi and Ramos Rui in Japan. His play, especially dribbling and through passing, fascinated a lot of Japanese fans. I often got goose flesh when I saw his play. I will introduce a profile of him first.

He was born in Kagoshima prefecture on 29th October in 1973. He admired Diego Maradona. Maradona is the greatest player in the 20th century in the world. Therefore, Maezono began playing soccer at 8 years old. It was in his highschool age that he got much attention. He played an active part in athletic meets, inter-high and high school championships.

He joined Yokohama Flugels after he graduated High school. He began the professional soccer of his dreams. Then he went to Argentina to play soccer for several months. He improved his technique, physical and mental part when he stayed in Argentina. It was in 1994 that he was chosen to the Japan national team.

The Olympic team won against Brazil by the score of 1 to o. It was the very dramatically victory. The news gave the world a great impact. He contributed on that victory very much. However, the japan lost to the Nigeria by the score of 2 to 0 in the next game. In the last game, Japan won against the Hungary 3 to 2. The Japan, especially Maezono, surprised the world.

After the Olympics, Maezono can not play an active part in Yokohama Flugels in the J leags. Then he was transferred to Verdy Kawasaki in 1997. However, his play was not good like before. At last he left out of the Japan national team selection.

Maezono was transferred to Santos FC for 3 months since 1998 September, which is famous for its brilliant record in the world. He got a goal of his debut game in Brazil. However, 3 months later he came back to Japan. Then he thought about his new course. He looked for new soccer team. He went to Brazil a few weeks later. Then he decided that he was transferred to Goias FC in Brazil. Now he is active in the team.

I like his play very much. A lot of people like his play too. His dribbling and through passing attract many people, and in addition, there is something about him that draws people. I am looking forward to the day he will come back to National team. I wish he achieve remarkable results in the World Cup in 2002 in Japan.